Pony.ai and Verne have started fully driverless robotaxi test rides carrying passengers on public roads in Zagreb, Croatia, in what the two companies describe as a European first.
The move builds on a partnership between Pony.ai, Verne and Uber, announced just over five months ago, to launch what the companies say was Europe’s first commercial robotaxi service.
“Fully driverless passenger rides in Zagreb mark an important step in Pony.ai’s international growth,” says Dr James Peng, founder and chief executive of Pony.ai.
The progress in Zagreb provides a strong foundation for expanding fully driverless mobility across Europe and other international markets.”
We are now taking the next step, moving from autonomous driving with an onboard AV operator toward fully driverless operations.